Effect of E1 type prostaglandin on hypoxemia in a cyanotic congenital cardiac malformation.

Prostaglandin type E1 has been administered on 4 different occasions in a newborn with a ductus-dependent complex congenital cyanotic heart disease. Dramatic improvement of the arterial oxygen concentration followed each prostaglandin infusion. Increased pulmonary circulation and widening of the ductus arteriosus were seen on angiographic examination. Transient flushing of the skin and mild pyrexia were the only complications noted. It is advised that prostaglandin type E1 be used in ductus-dependent heart diseases as an emergency therapy when indicated.